A Bedside Computerized Decision-Support Tool for Intravenous Insulin Infusion Management in Critically Ill Patients

Intravenous (IV) insulin infusions using a validated protocol are the recommended method for blood glucose control in critically ill patients. Computerized decision-support tools improve quality over manual paper-based protocols. However, nonproprietary computerized tools targeting the recommended blood glucose range of 140-180 mg/dL are not readily available. A bedside computerized decision-support tool was developed at a US Department of Veterans Affairs health system to assist the nursing staff with the management of patients requiring IV insulin infusion. Initial evaluation showed that the tool was useful in the safe and effective management of an IV insulin infusion protocol for blood glucose control targeting the updated blood glucose range.